Sitting behind a desk during the day, not used to non-active life style.

I am used to very physical activity and now have an academic job where I teach, sit behind a desk, or in meetings. It is driving me crazy. I am used to heavy lifting, being on my feet all day, and being agile. I find myself gaining fat and loosing muscle. I know cause I still do some physical work in the evenings and on weekends and I don't have the stammina.

I am starting to work out more, but don't have real good drive. Any recommendations? Also, since I have been working out my appetite has went wild! I eat everything in site if I can. I am not fat, yet, and don't want to be that is why I am being pro active. Also, I miss the physical work, kinda wierd.... What is up with the food craving? I have been pushing more fruits and vegis.

Try to get in things throughout the day to keep you a little more active. Can you stand when you are teaching? Are there stairs in the building you can take in place of an elevator? Do you have enough breaks to take a quick walk?

I do try to move around at work and no elevator! I do walk about 3 miles in a day to and from work if the weather is good. I find myself standing even when on the phone or reading, just cause I can't sit still. My biggest struggle is being motivated to push myself in the gym, and what food can I eat so I am not hungry 24/7.

Brother I'm in the same boat as you! The solution is to find yourself a good training partner. Your food cravings are normal - I can't tell you why but it happens to everyone I know when they quit or cut back on the training.

I'm an engineer and I sit behind a computer 90% of my day. I lost the best training partner I've ever had when I had to move from Beaumont to Houston. Since then I've lost lean mass and strength, been putting on bad weight, and getting myself injured in the gym. A solid training partner will give you a reason to show up in the gym every day and if they're close to your size and capability the competition with keep you coming back. You'll lose the bad weight, gain strength and size, and your cravings will cease. A solid training partner is all you need.

Totally agree with that. I moved to a retirement community though, and finding someone my age isn't easy. It isn't even an age thing, just finding someone. Kinda feel odd asking people if they want to work out. Sounds kinda "gay". It was easier when I was in college to find buddies to go to the gym or running. I enjoy working out though it clears my mind of all the crap at work.

Yeah, for me age doesn't matter as much as size and strength level - I like the competition of being close. I've hit up dozens of RJers in the area but no takers. Even guys that I normally wouldn't even consider training with have no interest. Man I wish you were in houston - you sound like you'd be pretty dedicated at this point.

My last (awesome) training partner was a straight guy and I just said hey to him every day. asked about some of his training techniques every now and then. One day he made the comment that he needed a good partner and I couldn't get my hand up fast enough to say pick me!

A retirement community is rough though - are you limited to that gym? are there guys in that gym that you think would make a decent training partner? if so, just show up every day to show your dedication. say hello to them and in a few weeks you may have yourself a training partner. Good Luck!!